(St. Louis, MO) – Eastern Illinois pulled off the first upset of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament, but it wasn’t easy. Seventh seeded EIU led by 11 points with five minutes left in the game and held on for a 73-71 win over sixth seeded Tennessee State.
Second team all-conference performer Montell Goodwin led the Panthers (12-18) with 20 points, but it was Hazelwood Central graduate Ray Crossland (11 points & seven rebounds) blocking Delano Spencer’s potential game-winning three-point attempt, that sealed the victory.
Spencer led Tennessee State (15-15) with 17 points and second team all-OVC forward Christian Mekowulu added a double-double (15 points & 12 rebounds). EIU now faces third seeded Austin Peay.
Tennesse Tech Moves On
Despite struggling offensively fifth seeded Tennessee Tech (19-13) advanced to the OVC quarterfinals with a 60-51 triumph over Southern Illinois Edwardsville. Mason Ramsey led the Golden Eagles with 19 points. Eighth seeded SIUE, who finishes the season at 9-21, was led by Jalen Henry’s double-double (14 points & 15 rebounds). Recently Henry topped the 1,000 point scoring level and in Wednesday’s loss he picked up his 500th career rebound.
Tech now faces fourth seeded and reigning Tournament champion Jacksonville State.
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Playing the point at @UEAthletics_MBB is @EKUHoops transfer Tayshawn Comer. The @ValleyHoops squad opens its season on Tuesday, but we wanted to get to know Comer now. Here is our conversation. #ValleyRunsDeep #NCAAHoops
Always fun to be with you guys! THIS is the place to go for @ValleyHoops fans!
Excited for one of @ValleyHoops' best!
